Agroforestry Systems of Cocoa (Theobroma cacao L.) in the Ecuadorian Amazon

Abstract

Agroforestry systems in the Ecuadorian Amazon play a vital role in environmental conservation and the promotion of sustainable agriculture. Therefore, it is crucial to demonstrate the benefits of the associated species within these production systems. This study aimed to assess the impact of agroforestry systems on cocoa yield, carbon sequestration, earthworm presence, and the nutritional contribution of companion species linked to cocoa (Theobroma cacao L.) cultivation under agroforestry systems. The research was conducted at INIAP’s Central Experimental Station of the Amazon using a randomized complete block design with three replications. The agroforestry arrangements were: (1) monoculture; (2) forest (Cedrelinga cateniformis Ducke); (3) fruit forest (Bactris gasipaes Kunth); (4) service (Erythrina poeppigiana (Walp.) O.F.Cook); and (5) forest + service (E. poeppigiana + C. cateniformis). The results indicated that agroforestry systems showed better results than the monoculture in terms of yield (532.0 kg ha−1 compared to 435.4 kg ha−1) and total stored carbon (33.0–42.0 t ha−1 compared to 39.6 t ha−1). Additionally, agroforestry systems provided higher levels of Mg, B, and Ca, contributing to both crop yield and the presence of earthworms. These findings suggest a positive influence of companion species, improving soil nutrition through biomass incorporation and promoting environmental benefits (carbon sequestration). Therefore, agroforestry systems will support sustainable cocoa production in the Ecuadorian Amazon.

Structured Equations to Assess the Socioeconomic and Business Factors Influencing the Financial Sustainability of Traditional Amazonian Chakra in the Ecuadorian Amazon

“…In this holistic context, the Amazonia Chakra represents a potential for achieving several of the 17 SDGs. The Chakra enables self-sufficiency in food, medicinal products, and construction materials, ensuring household income, presenting a sustainable alternative that promotes poverty reduction (SDG 1), fostering food security and sovereignty (SDG 2) [34], enhancing household incomes (SDG 8) [35], playing a key role in climate change mitigation (SDG 13) [36], and biodiversity conservation (SDG 15) [37], emphasizing its contribution to access to clean water and responsible production and consumption practices (SDGs 6 and 12).…”

Nutrient Contribution and Carbon Sequestration of an Agroforestry System of Coffea canephora Cultivated by Conventional and Organic Management in the Ecuadorian Amazon

“…Climate change and land degradation in tropical regions constitute a latent problem [1] due to their significant impact on agriculture, biodiversity, climate patterns, and water security [2]. The conversion of native forests to cropland leads to a rapid decline in soil nutrient cycling [3].…”

“…Agroforestry systems (AFSs) can mitigate climate change and encourage nutrient cycling. Agroforestry encompasses traditional and modern systems that integrate trees with crops and/or animals [2,5], help sustain production over time, mitigate greenhouse gas effects, and address food security [5]. In addition, these systems are productive and absorb substantial amounts of CO 2 from the Earth's atmosphere, and have been supported by several studies, highlighting their potential for carbon sequestration and storage in standing vegetation, soil organic matter, and harvested biomass products [6].…”

“…Likewise, in the Ecuadorian Amazon, some studies show that, in AFSs of Theobroma cacao, Solanum quitoense, and Selenicereus megalanthus, the presence of biomass positively affected the availability of N, potassium (K), magnesium (Mg), and calcium (Ca) [2,5,19]. Chavez et al [20] mention that, in coffee (Coffea canephora) plantations, legumes provide more than 350 kg ha −1 of N and improve the availability of P and K in the soil.…”

“…In coffee plantations associated with E. poeppigiana, the amount of carbon stored was 115 and 195 t ha −1 yr −1 [26,27]. In the Ecuadorian Amazon, in AFSs of T. cacao and S. quitoense, the total carbon stored was between 33 and 42 and 0.60 and 3.43 t ha −1 , respectively [2,19].…”